Support for bushfire recovery in Harcourt and surrounds
Posted on 14 January, 2026 by Lori
Connecting Country Committee and staff are saddened by the damage caused by the Ravenswood South bushfire and our hearts go out to all those affected. We hurt for our friends at Harcourt Valley Landcare, North Harcourt & Sedgwick Landcare and Sutton Grange Landcare and the many years dedicated to caring for the local environment that has been damaged. We are dedicated to working with these communities in their land and environmental recovery needs and have had many offers from fellow Landcare Groups also wanting to help.
Connecting Country is collaborating with Castlemaine Community House, Harcourt Valley Community House, Harcourt Progress Association, Castlemaine Community Investment Co-operative, Castlemaine Lions Club, local Landcare groups and others to coordinate a volunteer and equipment register to help longer-term bushfire recovery. People or organisations/groups can register their skills, time and useful equipment. These could be used in activities including clean up, workshops on insurance claims, fencing, repairs, re-vegetation, technology, rebuilding, or fundraising.
We are working with organisations in Harcourt to match resident’s needs to offers. This will co-ordinate help through a trusted local, reducing stress for affected people. This is a volunteer matching service, not an emergency response.
The form to register is here: Needs & Offers (Volunteer & Equipment) Register – Castlemaine Community House
Immediate response needs (food, shelter, clothing, agistment, etc) are being dealt with through Mount Alexander Shire Council’s Recovery Centre in the Town Hall from 12th to 19th January. The best way to support at present is by donating money to the Harcourt Progress Relief Fund or the Bendigo Bank Victorian Bushfire Appeal.
BlazeAid are establishing a local camp to assist with fencing and farm infrastructure opening next week (19th January) and will be looking for volunteers – follow the BlazeAid Facebook page to keep abreast of details.
Looking after yourself
These events can cause stress in those directly impacted and those supporting them. Please note Landcare members can access a free and confidential support program through Acacia Connection’s Employee Assistance Program as part of the DEECA Landcare Support Program if referred to by the Local Landcare Facilitator. If you, or someone you know, could benefit from this service, please reach out to me via email. Services available including counselling, legal referral, dietician support and financial coaching.
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